Reid cancels speech due to threats

Published on April 02, 2010 at 09:06AM

(LAS VEGAS) – Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada canceled giving his testimony at an LDS fireside last Sunday night because of angry calls, e-mails and even threats.
The Democratic Senator is a member of the LDS Church and was invited to offer remarks at an LDS fireside at the Tule Springs Stake in Las Vegas.
The fireside on “Why I Believe” was canceled after the threats were made.
His press secretary said there were no threats of violence initiated against Reid but he canceled because of the threats against his invitation to speak.
Sen. Reid received a warm welcome at BYU in October, 2007 and stands firm on his religious and political views.
Reid has become a lightening rod in partisan bickering and faces defeat in his home state of Nevada in the upcoming November election.
BYU political science professor Kelly Patterson says Reid hasn’t changed his position for years.
UVU Professor Boyd Peterson is a Democrat and teaches Mormon literature at the university and says several Church leaders are Democrats.
Some have asked if LDS Church leaders will speak about politics and civility at this weekend’s conference but no official statement has been issued.